interior color

I have just returned from a spectacular furniture show “Salone del mobile Milano”, held in Milan, for the 55th time in a row. It is one of the largest events in interior design sphere, where many furniture manufacturers introduce and predict hot trends every year; and every other year, also manufacturers of kitchen and domestic appliances at the same place with the event “Euro Cucina”.

There is so much happening, not only at the “Fiera Milano”, but also in the heart of Milan. Streets, squares and museums are lively in accordance with the big event. The city is filled with visitors from all over the world! The atmosphere is mixed with the inspiration and expectations!
Among the most spectacular exhibitors at the fair are found big names, such as Fendi, Trussardi, Versace, Knoll, Minotti, Natuzzi, and many others. Designers, interior designers, architects, journalists, bloggers, students and other visitors, all meet at one point, looking for innovations, which have been prepared by the companies in cooperation with the designers, who create and suggest new trends and concepts.

“Momenti” – when a wallpaper turns into an art

“Momenti” – when a wallpaper turns into an art

I extremely enjoyed the atmosphere at the show; experienced high scale designed exhibitions, gathered the innovations, inspiration for decorative ideas, and perceived what is hot on the market! After the visit I felt exhausted, but despite this, I feel fresh and full of inspiration!

Bedroom atmosphere by “La ebanisteria”

Playful animal print by “La ebaniesteria”

Impression from the show by exhibitor “Cattelan Italia”

Little sitting area by exhibitor “Cattelan Italia”

Nostalgic loveseat by “Meritalia”

Living room coziness brought into bathroom by “Duravit”

Are you interested in what’s “hot” this year? Which colors, materials, patterns are going to follow interior designers? Follow me; I’m going to reveal what trends have caught my eye in the world of interior design; room by room, from a living room, to a kitchen, and a bathroom.

The client, who rents a home in a charming building from 1930’s (in Arnhem, The Netherlands), asked me to recreate her home office with mostly the same and some new furniture (limited budget), to give it more modern twist. The room would serve several purposes; as an office, as a place for herself, where she could enjoy her hobbies in spare time, and also as a place where she could meet up with her clients and friends. She likes to collect artwork, make jewelry, read and play a piano.

When I examined the room for the first time, I could see lots of potential! The most charming features of this room are classic French doors, which open to living room, there is an original 1930’s open fireplace, and the room has a high ceiling and large windows that fill the room with plenty of natural light.

After detailed conversation with the client, I quickly envisioned furniture centered by the fireplace to create a cozy feel and a better flow. I took detailed measurements of the room and the furniture for space planning. With reconfiguring the furniture arrangement that would accommodate each and every activity going on in this room, allows the space to be better utilized, with a new fresh flow, and serve the client’s needs.

During the years my client collected some new furniture and some antique items, different textiles, amazing artwork, all in different colors and styles! Mixing the styles, textures and shades together, bringing them closer to a more balanced eclectic color palette, I blended in grey window blinds, a grey floor lamp, new decorative pillows and accessories, finished with grey satin (re-upholstered the antique chair and custom made number of items like decorative pillows, curtain ties and jewelry display).

As mentioned before, the client’s wish, among others, was to have also a home art gallery in this room. Therefore, as a final touch to the whole atmosphere, carefully chosen collection of stunning paintings from a local artist, were hanged against pure white walls.

Having an inspiring work office is essential in order to keep working time pleasant and efficient. Would you like to work in a home office like this?

The “Cupcakes4Ever” shop is located in the heart of the city of Arnhem in the Netherlands. Designing the interiors was an exciting task. Goal of whole interior design of the shop was to promote and reflect new brand or concept on the market, and deliver message about the irresistible “home made style” cupcakes to the potential consumer. In addition, the design reflects a cheerful personality of the owner, Charlotte Jensen Pauly, who is the founder of the “Cupcakes4Ever”. This is her first shop and also the first cupcake shop in Arnhem.

The project had to stay within the low to moderate budget. It started with ripping out the old interiors. Space was then divided into two areas, shop in the front and a kitchen in the back.

Cupcakes4ever shop – new floorplan

Image: Shop before

The choice of color palette has been created in harmony with existing logos, which include a happy, playful frog character with cupcakes, a boldly printed shop name in bright yellow and red, along with slogan: “love at first bite”.

The main focus of the space is the cupcake display, custom made from white glossy material, glass and stainless steel. Each delectable cupcake is displayed at eye level, as a piece of art, engaging with the consumers, and emphasizing that effect in the mirror on the wall.

The colorful and bright acrylic lamps above the counter radiate playful light and link the dazzling cupcake display with flow of stripes on the walls.

In order to keep place connected with the charm of old town brick buildings, accenting the sentiment of “home style” baking, contrasting with clean lines and glossy finishes, the existing characteristic brick walls got only a fresh layer of creamy white paint.

The wall that has been constructed in order to divide the kitchen from the shop has the passage and a framed window, which both let customers to have a pick into the kitchen to see where yummy, freshly baked cupcakes are being made. That way the kitchen atmosphere is brought into the shop.

Besides the cupcakes, shop is offering also coffee and tea “to go”. To accommodate that, there has been designed a self-service “coffee & tea station” with a curved serving table.

For those who like to read a magazine, watch people passing by, or rest their tired feet from walking the paved streets for too long, there has been designed a sitting area along the window with cute glossy “cup-like” sits.

Already first days after official opening of “Cupcakes4Ever”, the shop with its lively atmosphere attracted many visitors and customers to stop by. Charlotte and I were happy to see such positive response and comments of first customers. Atmosphere of shop in combination with yummy cupcakes made the ambient perfect. I am sure this trend of visits will continue and that shop will be a great success “4ever”